Shedeur Sanders called out Cleveland Browns fans after they repeatedly booed Deshaun Watson during Saturday’s 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Sanders started the NFL preseason game and finished 9-of-11 for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Watson entered after halftime and completed 5-of-12 passes for 36 yards with an interception.
Sanders said the reaction crossed a line because Watson remains part of the Browns. “[I don’t like it,] at all, just regardless of competition, we’re all human beings,” Sanders said after the game. “I think we all need to understand that, in this room, too. We are humans.”
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Sanders added that he dislikes making people uncomfortable and wants everyone inside the building treated with respect.
“I don’t really like making people feel uncomfortable in different spaces,” Sanders said. “That’s why, sometimes, like, daily things I do, I try to make sure everybody’s comfortable. Because a lot of things, just even, I am, as a person sometimes, can make people uncomfortable. So, I mean, I’m obviously aware of that.”
Sanders’ comments came after Watson described the crowd’s treatment as “disrespectful” and “personal.”
Still, Sanders thanked fans, saying, “Just for all the fans and everything, I really appreciate y’all showing up and everything. And however y’all feel about the situation, about what was shown, about everything.”
Shedeur Sanders’ message came amid Browns QB battleCleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Sanders’ take shows how the quarterback competition has moved beyond statistics. The Browns need their eventual starter focused on execution while coaches evaluate the offense around him.
Sanders gave Cleveland a stronger audition Saturday, completing his first eight passes before throwing an interception. He also connected with Luke Floriea for an eight-yard touchdown during the opening drive.
Watson struggled to match that rhythm, particularly after entering the game. His performance, combined with the crowd reaction, puts more pressure on Todd Monken as he prepares to name his starter.
Speaking about the situation, Sanders said, “I think it’s more about a bigger purpose than just respect, you know. It’s just respect, and I feel like it should be there. Because we all out here trying to do our best and trying to serve the franchise the best way possible. We’re going out there, and we’re doing everything we can do.”
An NFL team cannot let crowd noise dictate its quarterback decision. So, Monken must weigh accuracy, command, consistency and how each quarterback fits the offensive structure.
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Sanders’ defense of Watson could also help the locker room. Regardless of the final decision, Cleveland needs its quarterbacks competing without creating another internal distraction or differences.
For now, Sanders has strengthened his case on the field and made his position clear off it. The Browns must decide whether that combination is enough to make him QB1, which they are expected to do on Monday.
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